Vice President Lucia Witbooi wants the speedy finalisation and implementation of a comprehensive national policy and regulatory framework around the country’s booming green hydrogen programme and emerging fossil energy industry. 

She made the call on the executive team of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP), led by Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe, during a courtesy visit to her office this week where she was briefed on the progress of various green hydrogen projects countrywide. 

“The programme must ensure that opportunities arising from this sector, such as recruitment, scholarships and training, are inclusive and with a deliberate focus on empowering young people, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities. These efforts are in line with the National Development Plans of Namibia. Therefore, it is important that we, the programme included, finalise the national policy and regulatory frameworks necessary to support and accelerate the growth of this emerging industry,” said Witbooi. 

During the engagement, Mnyupe and his team shared with the vice president that progress at various green hydrogen sites has been satisfactory and moving at the desired pace and largely within the set timelines. 

Namibia currently has seven green hydrogen projects at various stages of development, with several already having reached or nearing final investment decision stages. 

Some of the projects includes the Hydrogen-Diesel Dual Fuel Locomotive Project in Walvis Bay’s Kranzberg corridor, the Daures Green Village, the Tsau //Khaeb National Park (Hyphen SCDI) Project in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park in //Karas region, the H2-Pilot Refueling Station at Walvis Bay and the Green Hydrogen Applications in the Port Environment located at the port of Walvis Bay. 

The engagement with Witbooi focused on ongoing and planned green hydrogen projects across the country and their potential to catalyse Namibia’s industrialisation agenda and generate employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. 

Last year, the National Council’s Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources in its report also highlighted that there is an urgent need for Namibia to develop policies, laws and a robust regulatory framework around green hydrogen projects and other fossil energy undertakings. 

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na